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So…Vacations Are On!
Summer 2025 is in full swing, and we hope you're finding time to relax, explore, and enjoy these warm...dare I say HOT sunny days (especially if you’re in Arizona). If you're traveling—travel safely and take in all the stories the road has to offer.
Sometimes, the best part of any traveling is gathering and learning about a good story. If you’re spending time with family, take a moment to ask someone to share a family story—those personal moments often hold powerful lessons and cherished memories.
This is national Ice Cream month…bring on the butter pecan from Washtenaw Dairy..in Ann Arbor.. OK I had a little flash back! I hope you will engage with a young person …this is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. National Blueberry month.. they’re so good for you!
At the African American Museum of Southern Arizona, we know the power of storytelling. Life stories connect us—across time, generations, and cultures. Remember: yesterday is part of history, and African American history is American history.
Here’s what we’ve been working on:
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🎭 Colonel Allen Allensworth Comes to Life: Last year we recorded a dramatization about Colonel Allen Allensworth, written and produced by historian Dr. Michael Engs. Our amazing volunteer, Jamie Clark, starred as Mrs. Frankie Campbell—the witness in the infamous Wham Paymaster Robbery. This powerful reenactment brings history alive in a new way.
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🧬 From Tulsa to Tucson: A DNA Discovery: This month, we connected with a Tucson resident whose DNA matches that of a man exhumed in Tulsa, linked to the tragic Greenwood District Massacre of 1921. Yes, that Tulsa AND yes… here in Tucson! His compelling story, family photos, and connection to this history will be featured in an upcoming project.
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🏫 Dr. Shirley Sprinkles: A Life of Impact: We also heard from Dr. Shirley Sprinkles, a proud Dunbar graduate and Tucsonan whose journey from Tucson to UCLA led her to help integrate schools in the Los Angeles area. Her story has been shared in the LA Times and across the nation—and now, she’s sharing it with us. We are working on putting things together.
We look forward to sharing more of these powerful stories with you soon. Until then, stay curious, stay safe, and stay connected to the history all around us.
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Juneteenth Recap – Tucson and Southern Arizona…
You Showed Up!
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Thank you, Tucson and Southern Arizona, for celebrating Juneteenth—a true American holiday—with heart, unity, and joy. We will talk about a real JOY a little later 😊.
A special thank you to Mr. Larry Starks, President of the Juneteenth Festival Committee, for creating powerful partnerships and building bridges across our community. Here's a look back at this year’s highlights:
🌟 Event Highlights
1. Let’s Talk About Juneteenth at the Dunbar:
Hosted by ABC (A Better Community), Trehon & Carmishun Coleman, partnering with Larry Starks! This evening offered fun, thoughtful conversation, and meaningful connections. Connections that Count...right Trehon!
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2. Kickin’ Off Juneteenth at the University of Arizona with CCSS (Community Council for Student Success)
Sponsored by Dr. Lehman Benson, this impactful event featured inspiring leaders including Dr. Jenna Hatcher, Head Football Coach Jedd Fisch, NFL great Ricky Hunley, the new UA Provost, Dr. Patricia A. Prelock, Lance Meeks (Goodwill), Nikieia Johnson and Beverely Elliott (AAMSAZ), Daisy Jenkins (President of CCSS), Dr. Tanisha Price-Johnson—and of course, our Master of Ceremonies... Mr. Trehon Coleman!
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NFL and UA Standout Ricky Hunley, an advisor for CCSS secured the venue and many connections.
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ABC’s Trehon Coleman was the MC and host for the event with high energy and community collaboration.
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Goodwill Industries was represented by VP Vice President of Community Engagement Lance Meeks.
- The Black Alumni was represented by president and Tucson’s own, Dr. Tanisha Price-Johnson
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AAMSAZ was represented by both Beverely Elliott and Nikieia Johnson as AAMSAZ volunteers and interns manned the registration and swag bag give aways. Thank you, Jamie, Josh and Rose!
- Thank you, Joe Jackson, Jr. and Tim Cummins for assisting with all things photo and video!
3. Black Womanhood Unfiltered at The Loft Cinema
A moving intergenerational dialogue, film clips from the 6888th, and an evening to honor women in our community. Moderated by Dr. Tonya Strozier and AAMSAZ Director Nikieia Johnson. Congratulations to the women who received their flowers!
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4. The Juneteenth Festival at Kino Sports Complex
What a celebration—music, food, culture, dancing, and community! With support from the City of Tucson, Governor Katie Hobbs, and the Juneteenth Committee, we honored 55 years of tradition and progress.
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UA’s Beyond Juneteenth Program
Continuing the Celebration All Year
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The University of Arizona, led by Dr. Lehman Benson, hosted Beyond Juneteenth, a series designed to extend reflection, learning, and action year-round.
First, Dr. Benson shared insights on Juneteenth's significance in business and education. The next week, Daisy Jenkins, Esq., President of CCSS (Community Council for Student Success), highlighted how community leaders can support African American student success through mentorship, retention, and advocacy. Dr. Cheree Meeks, President of the Tucson NAACP, encouraged civic involvement and community action—now more urgent than ever.
- Join the NAACP especially now as things are changing fast in our country!
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Ms. Johnique Woods, Assistant Director of Catering, is presenting a The Art of Food—serving Harlem Renaissance-inspired dishes while speakers reflected on cultural history. Delicious and meaningful!
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With Gratitude - Mayor Regina Romero
To everyone who attended, supported, performed, spoke, created, cooked, danced, volunteered, and celebrated—thank you. You made this Juneteenth unforgettable.
Nikieia and the Mayor
On Tuesday, June 17, Mayor Regina Romero honored the African American Museum of Southern Arizona and several partner organizations including Johnique Woods of the University of Arizona, with a city proclamation recognizing our collective work in preserving and celebrating African American history and culture. We are proud and grateful for this recognition from the City of Tucson! Thank you Mayor Romero
| | More Juneteenth…Oh..how I Love this Celebration! | | | | |
Greater Vail, AZ Community’s
Rise and Shine Celebration
Vendors, Give-a-ways, Silent Auction, Art, food trucks, music, and more! We were delighted to attend the Juneteenth Festival in Vail, AZ! What a wonderful celebration. I had the pleasure to drive through the Rocking K’s Mountain View Neighborhood. Streets are named in honor of Southern Arizona African American Icons. As a matter of fact you can start on Charles Young Way!( for those of you who don’t know …he was a highly regarded and celebrated West Point Graduate and a Buffalo Soldier). Thank you, Denise Bowls for reaching out!
We were so touched to see Elgie (Mike) Batteau, Fred “Fox” Snowden, and Curly Neal streets! Just so you know the names on the other streets had heroes and we, at the museum, are working to provide you with more history as we move along!
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St. Vincent de Paul of Phoenix
And lots of JOY and Eddie!
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We were invited as past honorees to celebrate Juneteenth with St. Vincent de Paul of Phoenix. Yummy – shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles and greens and cornbread were served…Yes for breakfast! A lovely raffle with gifts encouraged and some donated by none other than the honorees for 2025! Eddie and Joy Johnson! Eddie is an NBA XM radio host and a former Phoenix Sun, while Joy – has had her own business a Joyeous Event for over 24 years! She was also a past president of the NBWA (National Basketball Wives Association). This beautiful couple are involved and true philanthropists!
Thank you St. Vincent de Paul Staff, and the Phoenix Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Moderator Xavier Walker, Shannon, and Shawn - Thank you for a lovely and JOY-filled Juneteenth morning!
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Amplify Your Research- Explore History with the
Arizona Memory Project (AMP)
Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025
Time: 1 pm
Webinar Description:
The Arizona Memory Project (AMP) provides free online, digital access to a wealth of primary sources from Arizona archives, museums, libraries, and other cultural institutions. Visitors to AMP will find valuable government documents, photographs, maps, newspapers, and other resources related to Arizona history, culture, and statecraft.
This information session is for anyone interested in history. AMP is particularly useful for teachers, students, reference librarians, historians, authors, government employees, legislative researchers, and genealogists.
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Local Artist and Museum Supporter - Joe Bourne
Singer/Entertainer
Vocalist of Jazz, Blues, R&B
The Great American Song Book
Nat King Cole Tribute Concert
Source: .oebourne.com
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Richard Thompson, local writer and film maker
will be sharing his latest short film...
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The GSAAC (Greater Southern Arizona Association Chapter )of THE Buffalo Soldiers are hosting the 159th Anniversary Convention in Tucson.
The story itself focuses on the tragic events that occur when a WWI veteran who is suffering from bouts of trauma that are unsuccessfully being treated with alcoholism meets a mysterious buffalo soldier who believes he kills anyone he touches. This film has been getting publicity from the editor at Stephen King Short Movies...and it is ready for Sundance and other movie festivals. You don't want to miss it. Small panel for questions after the viewing.
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Join us
At The Loft Cinema: 3233 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 8571
Date: July 23rd, 2025
Time: 3:00pm Cost: Movie theater pricing
| | | July offers patriotism, cultural celebrations, and plenty of unique observances. Here are the key dates for your marketing calendar: | | |
Source: penguinrandomhouse.com
Michelle Obama’s “The Look”
Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s upcoming book The Look (available for pre-order now) explores confidence, identity, and authenticity through more than 200 never-before-seen photos and personal stories.
From her colorful White House ensembles to post–presidential braids and wide-leg suits, Mrs. Obama—alongside stylist Meredith Koop, hair artists Yene Damtew and Njeri Radway, and makeup pro Carl Ray—reveals how fashion shaped her public and private self. “My hope is that this book sparks conversation about how we see ourselves—and how society defines beauty,” she writes. Hardcover price $50.00
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Source: cityoftulsa.org
Tulsa’s “Road to Repair”
Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols (the city’s first Black mayor) has unveiled a $100 million private trust to support descendants of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
Dubbed a “road to repair,” the plan—set to secure $105 million by June 2026—will fund scholarships, housing aid, and a $60 million north-side revitalization effort.
While not providing direct cash reparations, the initiative aims to confront a century of redlining, underinvestment, and historic injustice in Greenwood, once known as “Black Wall Street.”
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Source: Photos by Taylor Jewell/Invision/AP
Misty Copeland Bids
Farewell to Ballet After 25 Groundbreaking Years
Misty Copeland, who made history as American Ballet Theatre’s (ABT) first Black female principal dancer, is retiring after 25 trailblazing years.
Her promotion in 2015 was a landmark moment that inspired countless dancers and brought new audiences to ballet. Now, at 42, Copeland says it’s time to move on to “the next stage.”
ABT will honor her with a farewell performance on October 22, featuring a return to the stage in Romeo and Juliet and tributes from Caroline Kennedy and Oprah Winfrey.
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Source: Theo Wargo//Getty Images
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and
Kara Young Make Tony Awards History with Purpose
The 2025 Tony Awards marked a historic moment in theater as Purpose, a powerful new play by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, earned some of the night’s highest honors. Jacobs-Jenkins, who won the 2024 Tony for Best Revival of a Play (Appropriate), made history again by becoming the first Black playwright to win the Tony for Best Play since August Wilson's win for Fences in 1987.
Adding to the celebration, actress Kara Young won Best Featured Actress in a Play, becoming the first Black performer to be nominated four years in a row — and the first to win back-to-back Tony Awards. Purpose is more than a play — it’s a milestone, and a testament to the continued power and presence of Black excellence on Broadway.
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Source: La Risa Lynch / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
A Heroine: Anna Mae Robertson of the
Legendary Six Triple Eight Passes at 101
We are honored to inform you of the remarkable life of Anna Mae Robertson of Milwaukee, who passed away at the age of 101. She was one of the last surviving members of the historic 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion — famously known as the “Six Triple Eight.”
The 6888th was the groundbreaking, all-Black women’s unit and the only one of its kind stationed overseas during World War II. Robertson and 854 fellow servicewomen were deployed to Birmingham, England, where they were faced with an overwhelming backlog: nearly three years’ worth of undelivered mail stacked floor to ceiling in a cold, damp warehouse. The mail — often addressed only to “Junior, U.S. Army” or “Bob Smith” — was meant for American soldiers longing for word from home.
With the motto “No Mail, Low Morale,” the women created their own tracking system and worked tirelessly around the clock in three shifts. They processed nearly 195,000 pieces of mail during the daily eight-hour shifts. Assigned to complete the job in six months, the Six Triple Eight cleared the backlog in just three months — a feat that broke all Army records. They later repeated their success in Rouen, France.
Anna Mae Robertson’s service to our country and legacy reminds us of the courage, brilliance, and determination of these unsung heroes who paved the way for future generations.
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Become an AAMSAZ monthly donor
and support our mission.
We appreciate Xavier Walker, Kendall Foster,
Larry Haynes, Dinah McGlory, Jonelle Vold, and Brad Terry. You have been supporters from the start! Thank you!
| | | | Become a part of assisting us as we share high-quality educational programming, engaging content, and impactful cultural information with our community and the world. | | | | | |
Our Legacy Founder Investors (LFI), COX, TEP, Elliott Family Charity, Zuckerman Family Foundation, Tucson Foundation
Thank you for your
unwavering support!
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Supporting AAMSAZ | We love hearing from you!
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Gifts in any amount are always welcomed. Please use our easy and secure online giving site.
- Do you have a legacy story or an oral history to share? How about an African American or Black collection that you want to donate to AAMSAZ?
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Let's connect. Please email us and let us know at AAMuseumofSouthernAZ@gmail.com.
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Join our team of volunteers!
Join the effort to preserve African American history and culture in Southern Arizona. AAMSAZ welcomes volunteers. Background checks will be conducted. We are committed to finding meaningful ways for you to contribute.
Please contact us at AAMuseumofSouthernAZ@gmail.com to learn how you can volunteer.
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Hours of Operation
Wednesday - Saturday
10 AM to 4 PM
Friday
10 AM to 3 PM
Small groups of 5 or less can stop in anytime during our open hours.
Please check our schedule for Holiday and Summer Hours listed on our website.
Schedule a tour of 6 or more by signing up online. website sign-up page! Thank you for your support!
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General Admission to
the museum is free!
Help us keep it that way by
Making a Donation!
Thank you!
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